In a landmark move, Epic Business Consult (EBC) and the League of East African Directors (LEAD) have formed a strategic partnership to elevate leadership and governance standards across the region’s C-suite companies.
The collaboration, announced by EBC’s Head of Agency, Dorah Baguma, and LEAD’s Managing Director, Trevor Ariho, on Friday, August 08th, 2025, will focus on delivering a flagship program: the Summit Leadership Series.
“We are thrilled to partner with LEAD in this initiative,” said Baguma, adding that, “This partnership underscores our commitment to nurturing leadership excellence and promoting good governance practices in East Africa’s corporate sector.”
In his remarks, Ariho noted, “The Summit Leadership Series is a timely intervention that will help CSUITE companies stay ahead of the curve. We look forward to working closely with EBC to deliver a world-class program that meets the needs of our participants.”
He revealed that the Summit Leadership Series, set to roll out in October 2025, is designed to empower board members and senior management with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to drive organisational success and sustainability.
“By bringing together esteemed leaders and industry experts, the series aims to foster exceptional leadership, governance, and strategic decision-making in East Africa’s corporate landscape,” Ariho noted.
Why the Partnership is a Vital Intervention
This partnership is a timely intervention for East Africa, where corporate governance and leadership training are becoming increasingly critical.
Studies have shown a positive association between strong board independence and financial performance in countries like Kenya and Uganda.
However, the region still faces challenges such as concentrated family ownership, which can limit transparency, and an institutional context that requires region-specific approaches to governance.
The collaboration between EBC and LEAD thus addresses these challenges by combining EBC’s expertise in business management consulting with LEAD’s specialised focus on board leadership. This synergy creates a powerful platform for knowledge sharing and networking among leaders.
Ariho explained that the Summit Leadership Series is not just a training program; it is a strategic effort to professionalise boardrooms, a critical step toward attracting investment and ensuring sustainable growth.
Lessons for Other Companies
This strategic partnership offers valuable lessons for other companies and professional organisations looking to drive impact, some of which include:
Specialisation is Powerful
EBC and LEAD have a clear understanding of their respective strengths. EBC brings its expertise in driving growth and efficiency, while LEAD provides a deep understanding of the needs of board members and C-suite executives.
By combining their specialised knowledge, they’re able to deliver a more comprehensive and impactful program than either could alone.
Targeting the Right Audience
The partnership’s focus on C-suite leaders and board members is deliberate and strategic. This audience holds the key to organisational change and long-term sustainability.
By equipping them with the right tools, the partnership can have a ripple effect, influencing corporate culture and practices throughout the entire organisation.
Solve a Real Problem
The collaboration is a direct response to a pressing need in the market: the demand for robust, localised corporate governance and leadership development. Companies that identify a clear market need and form partnerships to address it are more likely to achieve significant success.
This partnership is expected to become a hallmark of leadership development in East Africa, setting a new standard for excellence and demonstrating the power of collaboration in building a stronger corporate ecosystem.